• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6889-6892
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• 2013

Background: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a relatively common malignancy in young men. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and survival of young Turkish patients with TGCT. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the clinical and pathological characteristics of young Turkish patients with TGCT who were monitored by the Department of Medical Oncology of a military hospital between 2008 and 2013 were investigated. Overall survival data were analyzed. Results: Ninety-six patients were included in the study. The mean age was 26.4 years. Among the patients, 17.7% had seminoma and 43.8% had mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Some 46.9% were Stage I, 30.2% were Stage II, and 22.9 were Stage III. Of the patients, 83.3% received chemotherapy, 25% underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), 3.1% received radiotherapy, and 12.5% were followed-up without treatment. In addition, 18.8% of the patients were administered salvage chemotherapy due to relapse or progression. The 5-year overall survival rate was 90.2% for all patients. The 2-year overall survival rate was 100% for Stage I patients, 94% for Stage II patients, and 70.2% for Stage III patients. The difference between the survival curves of stages was statistically significant (p=0.029). Conclusions: In young Turkish patients with TGCT, good results were obtained with appropriate treatment, most receiving chemotherapy. The prognosis of the disease was good even in the advanced stage.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4365-4368
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• 2013

Background: Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is considered a subtype of adenocarcinoma of the lung. Recently BAC has been variously termed adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, lepidic predominant invasive adenocarcinoma, and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. The aim of the study was to analyze and detect prognostic factors of patients with BAC over a 7-year period. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 44 patients with BAC. The impact on survival of fifteen variables (gender, age, smoking status, cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, fever, chest pain, sputum, metastasis number, Karnofsky performance status, pT, pN, TNM stage, cytotoxic chemoterapy) were assessed. Results: Median age was 55 years (38-83). Most patients were male (63.6%) and stage IV (59.1%). Twenty-one patients (47.7%) received cytotoxic chemotherapy (platinum-based regimens) for metastatic disease. Objective response rate was 33.3% (4 partial, 3 complete responses). Stable disease was observed in nine in patients (42.8%). Disease progression was noted in 5 (23.8%). The median OS for all patients was 12 months (95%CI, 2.08-22.9 months). Independent predictors for overall survival were: Karnofsky performance status (HR:3.30, p 0.009), pN (HR:3.81, p 0.018), TNM stage (HR:6.49, p 0.012) and hemoptysis (HR:2.31, p 0.046). Conclusions: Karnofsky performance status, pN, TNM stage and hemoptysis appear to have significant impact on predicting patient survival in cases of BAC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4415-4420
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• 2016

We aimed to investigate any association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the view of cytokines that control inflammation/angiogenesis and their correlation with certain CD markers. NHL patients with or without HCV infection were studied. CD5, CD30, CD3, CD20 and CD45 were immunohistochemically evaluated. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial and platelet derived growth factors (VEGF, and PDGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-${\alpha}$), transforming growth factor (TGF-${\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-4, IL-12 and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV+ve NHL patients showed a significant reduction in VEGF, PDGF, IFN-${\gamma}$, CD5 and CD45 and a significant increase in IL-12 and IL-8. In conclusion, there was a significant change in cytokine secretion and expression of CD markers in HCV+ve NHL patients. Based on our results, HCV infection in NHL patients requires more in-depth investigations to explore any role in lymphoma progression.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.353-358
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• 2001

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) account for only $3.4\%$ of symptomatic metastases to the spinal cord. The survival of patients with ISCM is characteristically short, often no longer than 2 months, due to a rapid neurologic deterioration and the presence of widespread metastases, Including metastases to the brain. We report two cases of ISCM arising from primary sphenoid sinus carcinoma and primary lung cancer along with a review of the literature. The case of ISCM from the primary sphenoid sinus is the third case of secondary syringomyelia due to ISCM In the world literature, and ISCM from the primary lung cancer is the first case reported in Korea. One case showed a slow progression of symptoms and a longer survival (26 months after the radiotherapy to the spine), and the other showed a rapid deterioration of symptoms with a shorter survival. More effective palliation can be achieved if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage when the neurologic deficits are still reversible.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.201-207
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• 1999

Malignant tumors of the hand are very rare. Between 1989 and 1998, 17 patients with malignant tumors of the hand were evaluated for clinical features, prevalence, treatment and results. The mean age was 45 years and median duration of follow-up was 38 months. A painless mass was the most common symptom and the most common lesion was the digit. Fifteen cases of soft tissue and 2 cases of bone tumor were diagnosed. On pathology, soft tissue tumors were comprised of 8 cases of malignant melanoma, 2 cases of angiosarcoma and 1 case each of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, extraskeletal chondrosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Bone tumors were metastatic tumors and each originated from the rectal cancer or lung cancer. Lymph node involvements were noted in 4 cases of malignant melanoma and 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma. Six cases of metacarpo-phalangeal joint disarticulation and 4 cases of phalanx amputation were performed. Wide excision, ray amputation and below-elbow amputation were also performed. Three cases expired due to metastasis and progression of the original lesion. Among the surviving 14 cases, a malignant melanoma had metastasis on the axillary lymph node and 13 cases showed no local recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5343-5348
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• 2015

Promoter hypermethylation of the runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oxidative stress plays a vital role in both carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. However, whether oxidative stress and RUNX3 hypermethylation in HCC have a cause-and-effect relationship is not known. In this study, plasma protein carbonyl and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC (n=60) and age-matched healthy subjects (n=80) was determined. RUNX3 methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of subjects was measured by methylation-specific PCR. Effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on induction of RUNX3 hypermethylation in HCC cells was investigated. Plasma protein carbonyl content was significantly higher, whereas plasma TAC was significantly lower, in HCC patients than healthy controls. Based on logistic regression, increased plasma protein carbonyl and decreased plasma TAC were independently associated with increased risk for HCC. PBMC RUNX3 methylation in the patient group was significantly greater than in the healthy group. RUNX3 methylation in hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-treated HepG2 cells was significantly higher than in untreated control cells. In conclusion, increase in oxidative stress in Thai patients with HBV-associated HCC was demonstrated. This oxidative increment was independently associated with an increased risk for HCC development. RUNX3 in PBMC was found to be hypermethylated in the HCC patients. In vitro, RUNX3 hypermethylation was experimentally induced by $H_2O_2$. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress is a cause of RUNX3 promoter hypermethylation in HCC cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5359-5364
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• 2015

Background: Multiple complex pathways are operable in the evolution of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs). These pathways involve interaction between neoplastic T cells and cells of the immune system (especially dendritic cells and the non-malignant T cells). Granulysin is a proinflammatory antimicrobial peptide which has an immune alarmin function, activating dendritic cells, as well as an active role in tumor immunology and prognosis. FOXP3+ regulatory T cells Tregs are an important player in the immune system. Much controversy is found in the literature about the role of Tregs in CTCL. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the expression of granulysin and FOXP3 in mycosis fungoides (MF), its precursor lesion large plaque parapsoriasis and its leukemic form ;$s\acute{e}ezary$ syndrome (SS). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of granulysin and FOXP3 were assessed in lesional skin biopsies taken from 58 patients (4 large plaque parapsoriasis, 48 MF and 6 SS). Results: Granulysin positivity was cytoplasmic and higher in MF than in parapsoriasis en plaque and higher in the more advanced stages of MF (p<0.001). All groups showed significant differences between each other except between MF tumor stage and SS. FOXP3 positivity was nuclear and higher in early stage MF (plaque and patch stages) than in tumor stages and SS (p<0.001). However the FOXP3 count was lower in parapsoriasis en plaque than in other stages of MF. All the groups showed significant differences between each other except between parapsoriasis and SS and between patch and plaque stages of MF. Conclusions: The present study supports a role for granulysin in MF progression and proposes a novel hypothesis about the effect of FOXP3 +veTregs in the suppression of the activity of the neoplastic cells in MF.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.5031-5036
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• 2015

Background: Adrenal tumors are relatively uncommon, and have different presentations, so we decided to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics of benign and malignant tumors in a ten-year period. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional-analytical study was conducted on adrenal resection samples taken during 2004-2014 in three hospitals in Yazd province. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 17. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate Results: A total of 71 patients with adrenal tumors were analyzed, including 32 (45.1%) men and 39 (54.9%) women with an overall mean age $37.7{\pm}19.9$ (range: 6-75 years). Some 50.7% of lesions were benign and 49.3% were malignant. Neuroblastoma was the most malignant lesion (32.3%) followed by adrenocortical carcinoma (8.4%). Among the benign lesions pheochromocytoma was the most common (25.3%) followed by adrenocortical adenoma (12.6%). While 64% of tumors were functional 36% were non functional. Significant correlation was seen between the age of patient and type of tumor (P=0.001). In patients between 14-40 years old no malignant lesions was found, although under 14 years old all of the tumors were malignant. Malignant lesions mostly presented with abdominal pain, abdominal mass and anorexia (57.2%, 45.7% and 45.7%) respectively. Benign lesions mostly presented with paroxysmal hypertension, headache and abdominal pain (61.2%, 47.2% and 44.4%) respectively. Conclusions: Since the trend of adrenal tumors is on the rise based on this and other studies, suspected cases should undergo prompt hormonal and radiological assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment could prevent tumor progression and reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5279-5284
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• 2015

Background: The study analyzed the long term clinical outcomes of pituitary adenoma cases treated with the first Thailand installation of a dedicated Linac-based stereotactic radiation machine (X-Knife). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 115 consecutive pituitary adenoma patients treated with X-Knife at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from 1997 to 2003 was performed. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was selected for 21 patients (18%) including those with small tumors (${\leq}3cm$) located ${\geq}5mm$. from the optic apparatus, whereas the remaining 94 patients (82%) were treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT). Results: With a median follow-up time of 62 months (range, 21-179), the six-year progression free survival was 95% (93% for SRS and 95% for FSRT). The overall hormone normalization at 3 and 5 years was 20% and 30%, respectively, with average time required for normalization of approximately 16 months for SRS and 20 months for FSRT. The incidence of new hypopituitarism was 10% in the SRS group and 9% in the FSRT group. Four patients (5%) developed optic neuropathy (1 in the SRS group and 3 in the FSRT group). Conclusions: Linac-based SRS and FSRT achieved similar high local control rates with few complications in pituitary adenoma cases. However, further well designed, randomized comparative studies between SRS versus FSRT particularly focusing on hormone normalization rates are required.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5983-5986
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• 2015

Background: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency is very common in Pakistan and is often related to inferior prognosis in some cancers but limited data exist for hematopoietic malignancies. This study was conducted to determine the vitamin D insufficiency in B-chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) cases at the time of presentation and its possible correlation with clinical staging, hematological parameters and biochemical markers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried at Liaquat National Hospital from January 2011 to June 2013. Sixty patients with B-chronic lymphoid leukemia were enrolled. Complete blood count, vitamin D levels, serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and LDH levels were assessed. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of 60 patients, 42 (70%) were male and 18 (30%) were female. Mean age was $59.0{\pm}9.2years$. The frequency of vitamin D insufficiency was found to be 56.7%. Overall insufficiency was more frequently seen in male gender (40%). Vitamin D insufficiency demonstrated a positive association with low lactate dehydrogenase levels (P=0.005). No links were established with age, clinical stage, hematological and other biochemical markers. Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency is high compared with Western studies. Whether normalization of vitamin D insufficiency in deficient B-CLL patients could improve the clinical outcome or delay disease progression will require further studies.